MLAB MISSION STATEMENT

The Mobile Literacy Arts Bus (MLAB) is an artist-run, renovated recreational vehicle that exists as a flexible space open to community members’ proposals for alternative educational and cultural programming.

MLAB is the collaborative effort of the 2007-2008 Social Sculpture class at Syracuse University, comprised of 10 art and architecture students and lead by artist and Director of Community Initiatives in the Visual Arts of Syracuse University, Marion Wilson. Our mission was to transform a used, 1984 Recreational Vehicle Bus into a Mobile Literacy and Arts Bus for use by the Syracuse City School District and the greater Syracuse Community. MLAB serves as a physical manifestation of Syracuse University’s Scholarship in Action initiative, by pairing University resources with community needs in an attempt to address the staggering drop out rates in the Syracuse City School District High Schools. Through the School of Education at Syracuse University, incredible curricula that bridge photography, poetry and literacy currently exist within the public schools-- however due to a crisis of space, the schools don't always have the space or resources to house it. MLAB is this space. The bus serves as a mobile classroom, digital photo lab, gallery space, and community center. As a team, we did it all: demolition, design, and construction.

MLAB is made possible from the generous support of the School of Education at Syracuse University and Entitiative.

We are soliciting and receiving outside help from Creative Writing Dept and Architecture school. Hours and tasks can be coordinated thru Marion and Zach. Let us know if you need help on something specific. Jessica is leading up the cushion team, Roslyn and Samantha's mother have offerred help when needed.Yun Pei will lead up the ceiling team.David Harris is coordinating with Julia and Nicolette on lighting.Please post schedules, updates and needs on the blog so we can keep this rolling towards the April finish line.I am also in the next two weeks having very important financial and programming conversations about MLAB. Please let me know if any of you in particular are interested in being a part of this conversation.Keep up the amazing work!Marion